The loss of a loved one in an accident can devastate a family. After such an event, the victim’s family may not know where to turn. Adding to their grief is often a growing financial burden caused by the loss of the victim’s income, medical bills, and more. When the accident was caused by the wrongful acts or omissions of a third party, surviving family members may be entitled to recover damages. While financial compensation cannot replace the victim, it can help ease the burden and provide a sense of justice. Damon Young is a Peoria wrongful death lawyer who understands how the loss of a family member can cripple the survivors for years to come. He is dedicated to aggressively representing his clients to maximize their recovery. Our firm also handles cases throughout Central Illinois. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.
Attorney aggressively handling negligence cases in Peoria that resulted in the victim’s death
When an accident results in the death of a loved one, the victim’s family is entitled to recover damages under Illinois’ Wrongful Death Statute. A personal representative of the victim, usually a spouse, child, or parent, may bring a lawsuit against the parties responsible for the accident. To recover, the personal representative, with the help of experienced counsel, must demonstrate that one or more defendants were responsible for the victim’s death. The victim’s family must also demonstrate that they suffered damages as a result. It is possible to recover monetary damages even if the victim was partially responsible for the incident. Under Illinois law, the survivors are entitled to compensation so long as the deceased was fifty percent or less responsible for the event. In such cases, damage awards will be reduced by the percentage of the victim’s responsibility.
Damage calculations are based on direct financial losses (past and future), which may include medical bills, loss of past income, and loss of the victim’s potential future earnings. Additional damages may include funeral and burial expenses, grief and mental suffering of the survivors, and the loss of companionship. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, punitive damages may also be awarded. Wrongful death lawsuits must typically be filed within one to two years after the victim’s death. It is important, therefore, to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights.
Damon Young is a Peoria personal injury lawyer with experience in wrongful death cases. He will conduct a free consultation to hear your side of the story and help you understand what to expect during the legal process. Once retained, he will conduct a thorough investigation of the case, including identifying all potentially responsible parties and their insurance companies. He will notify the defendants’ insurance companies that he is representing you in the case and handle the communication with the adjusters directly. He will gather and preserve all necessary evidence about the accident. Damon will retain expert witnesses if needed to establish the defendants’ responsibility and maximize the damages owed to your family. He will aggressively negotiate settlement terms on your behalf and, if necessary, vigorously represent you at trial. Throughout the process, Damon will communicate case updates with you so that you remain informed every step of the way. Contact us online or by telephone as soon as possible after the accident to speak with a lawyer.
Peoria attorney providing quality service to the victims of a wrongful death case
Nothing is more life-altering than losing a loved one in an accident. Aside from the grief associated with the loss, the death of a family member can be financially devastating. Damon understands how difficult it can be for victim’s families to focus on a lawsuit after an accident. He strives to assist his clients through the process by maintaining the highest levels of service. He regularly communicates with clients to keep them informed about case developments and address any concerns they may have. Damon provides his clients with his cell phone number and responds to emails and phone calls promptly. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
In addition to Peoria, our firm also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
